Australia on Track to Become First Country to Eliminate Cervical Cancer
21 Nov 2025
The latest report from the Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control shows cervical cancer rates continue to fall. In 2021, no cases were diagnosed in women under 25 for the first time since records began in 1982, largely attributed to the success of the HPV vaccination program. The Gardasil vaccine is offered free to Australians aged 9–25 under the National Immunisation Program.
GPs remain central to screening and prevention efforts. Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis highlighted that recall systems, preventive care consultations, and person-centred discussions around women’s health help maintain high screening rates.
Key findings and recommendations from the report include:
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National cervical cancer rate decreased from 6.6 to 6.3 per 100,000 in 2021, though ongoing monitoring is needed.
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HPV vaccination and cervical screening participation have slightly declined and need urgent improvement.
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Increasing self-collection options to reach under-screened groups.
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Prioritising vaccination and screening equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents.
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Improving school-based vaccination programs and closing data gaps for First Nations women.
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Developing a cervical cancer treatment monitoring framework.
Progress continues among adults:
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85% of women aged 35–39 have had at least one HPV test.
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Five-year survival rates improved from 73.9% (2012–16) to 76.8% (2017–21).
Health authorities emphasise equitable, accessible, and innovative screening programs to ensure elimination targets are met. GPs are encouraged to continue educating patients, supporting opportunistic self-testing, and promoting screening for older women who may not have received the Gardasil vaccine.
Source: Centre for Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control; Australian Government Department of Health
